Red Admiral
Image: JoeDerrySetch (CC BY 4.0)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white
HabitatGardens, parks, woodlands, meadows, forest edges, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and some Caribbean islands
Host PlantsUrtica dioica (stinging nettle), Parietaria spp. (pellitory)
Flight PeriodSpring to Autumn (multiple broods), some overwinter as adults in warmer regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, typically dark with yellow markings, and feed on nettles, often creating a silk-lined leaf shelter. Pupae are brown or grey, sometimes with metallic spots, and hang head-down.
Identification TipsLook for the striking black and orange-red pattern, especially the broad diagonal orange-red band on the forewing and the row of white spots near the forewing tip. The underside is mottled brown and black, providing excellent camouflage.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings, characterized by a prominent diagonal orange-red band across the forewings and a submarginal orange-red band on the hindwings, along with white spots near the apex of the forewings.
